Best Hair Removal Cream (2024)

Hair

We spoke to the experts and tried some of the top hair removal cream products on the market. Here's what really works.

ByHeather Taylor-Singh

Date March 8, 2024

Are you one of the brave souls who can stomach a full-leg wax or multiple sessions of laser hair removal? Or are you halfway through your box of razor blade refills? Sometimes, it’s OK to seek temporary fixes — like hair removal cream.

Topped off with a luxe body oil, say hello to smooth skin for days!

What is hair removal cream, anyway?

Depilatory cream, a.k.a. hair removal cream, comes in a lotion-like consistency that you can glide on your legs, armpits and face to remove unwanted hair. “The cream weakens the hair strands, allowing for easy wiping away, leaving the skin smooth,” explains Vee Mistry, celebrity facialist and founder of SkinByVee.

To remove hair in a pinch, that’s where depilatory cream comes in. “The primary use of hair removal or depilatory cream is for quick and convenient hair removal on various body parts,” says Mistry. Hair removal cream is suited to those seeking a painless alternative to traditional hair removal methods — it’s a hassle-free solution to get smooth skin.

“The main advantages of hair removal cream include its simplicity and speed. It’s a matter of applying the cream, waiting a few minutes, and wiping it off with a fresh towel. This process eliminates hair effortlessly, providing a pain-free alternative to shaving or waxing, without the risk of cuts, razor burns, or skin trauma.”

Over time, hair removal creams provide sustained smoothness and potentially slower hair regrowth. “Its gentle action on the skin, when used as directed, can minimize irritation, making it a suitable option for maintaining smooth, hair-free skin with regular use.”

But, is it better than shaving or waxing? Board certified dermatologists say you should do a patch test on a small area first, and most people think this is entirely pain-free.

“Unlike shaving, it doesn’t involve sharp objects, reducing the risk of nicks and cuts. Compared to waxing, it’s less painful and doesn’t require the skin to be pulled, minimizing discomfort and irritation,” explains Mistry. “This makes depilatory cream a safer, more comfortable alternative for achieving smooth skin.”

The best hair removal cream 2024:

Best overall

VEET Professional Hair Removal Cream

Best Hair Removal Cream (1)

Coined as the only hair removal lotion that starts working in two minutes, Veet’s professional-grade product is a must-try. Suitable for legs and body, the cream is formulated with shea butter and enriched with a moisturizer naturally found in the skin.

Designed for all skin types, the cream minimizes ingrown hair, fight tough-to-remove follicles and keeps your body moisturized for up to 48 hours. Enjoy long-lasting hydration.

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Best budget

Nair 3-In-1 Hair Removal Lotion

Best Hair Removal Cream (2)

For those craving smooth legs at a fraction of the cost, we hear you. This hair removal lotion eliminates unwanted hair in as little as five minutes. With the nourishing power of sunflower seed oil and green tea extract to rejuvenate, the hardworking 3-in-1 formula extracts exfoliates and moisturizes skin for silkier skin.

Best of all, it’s easy to use — apply the lotion to your skin in the comfort of your own home. The lotion removes hair below the skin’s surface, leaving your skin smooth and radiant for days longer than shaving.

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Best rated

Veet PURE Hair Removal Cream

Best Hair Removal Cream (3)

Veet’s Pure hair removal line features the least number of ingredients — designed to be just what you need for long-lasting smoothness. Designed for legs and body, the easy-to-use cream unveils beautifully smooth skin in three to six minutes. Ideal for every skin type, the cream is infused with shea butter to keep your legs ultra-soft.

“I was so scared to use this as my skin is sensitive, but I’m blown away,” says verified Amazon reviewer Kayla Perland. “It worked well on my thick and fine hairs and left my legs feeling silky smooth!”

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Best scented

Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream

Best Hair Removal Cream (4)

With the sweet smells of iris and suede, Flamingo’s removal cream is a body care staple. It quickly and gently removes body hair — even on the most sensitive skin. The cream keeps your legs, arms, stomach and bikini line smooth for up to seven days, while your underarms stays hair-free for up to six days and ultra-hydrated for 24 hours.

The dermatologist-tested cream is suitable for sensitive skin and features a gentle aloe vera scent to enhance the hair removal process. The best part? It includes a spatula applicator for touch-free application and step-by-step instructions.

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Best moisturizing

Nair Sensitive Formula Hair Removal Crème

Best Hair Removal Cream (5)

Nair’s hair removal crème removes follicles in as little as five minutes while moisturizing to restore your supple skin. It combines grape seed oil and mallow to rejuvenate, leaving you with glowing, hair-free skin. This rich formula is specially designed for hard-to-remove, dark and coarse hair on your body, underarms, bikini area and legs.

The crème is an easy-to-use, affordable and mess-free solution to effectively removing unwanted hair — apply the lotion, let it sit for five minutes and voilà! Silky, soft and hydrated skin is yours.

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Best for men

Nair Men Hair Remover Cream

Best Hair Removal Cream (6)

Seeking the best hair removal cream for men? Look no further. Nair’s hair removal product is designed to diminish hair in the shower to quickly get rid of unwanted body hair. The tough formula works for men’s hair on the chest, back, legs, arms and yes — removing butt hair using Nair cream.

Apply the cream to your dry skin then easily rinse it away after the prescribed amount of time with cool shower water.

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Best Hair Removal Cream (2024)

FAQs

Which hair cream is best for hair removal? ›

Our Top Picks:
  • Best Overall: Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream (2-Pack), $19.
  • Best Prescription-Grade Formula: Musely The Facial Hair Cream, $110.
  • Best Scents: Wakse Meltoway Hair Dissolving Cream, $20.
  • Best Foaming Treatment: Completely Bare Easy Off Foaming Hair Removal Spray, $10.
May 1, 2024

Do dermatologists recommend hair removal cream? ›

According to board-certified dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, people can dissolve unwanted hair using products called depilatories. These are creams, lotions, and gels that are applied to the skin, and the results can last longer than shaving.

Does Nair work better than shaving? ›

The smooth, hair-free skin achieved with Nair™ products lasts days longer than shaving, because Nair™ hair removal creams chemically remove hair below the skin's surface. Shaving physically removes it just above the surface. For even longer lasting results, try Nair™ waxes. The results can last up to 4 weeks.

Can hair removal cream be used on private parts? ›

You can use depilatory creams to remove hair on almost every area of your body. Some creams are specially made for sensitive places, like your face and bikini area. Your hair will grow back quickly after you remove it with a depilatory cream. New hair will usually appear within a few days.

What are the cons of using hair removal cream? ›

Drawbacks include:
  • It's not suitable for all areas. ...
  • It may have an odor. ...
  • They contain strong chemicals. ...
  • Short-lived results compared to waxing. ...
  • A "shadow" may remain. ...
  • Patchy aftereffect. ...
  • Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. ...
  • It's messy.
Nov 29, 2023

Where should you not use hair removal cream? ›

Don't use this product on sensitive areas such as the face, head, breast or genital or perianal area.

Is it better to shave or use hair removal cream on pubic hair? ›

Depilatories provide smooth skin without the common irritations that can accompany shaving. Razor stubble, nicks, cuts and ingrown hairs are all avoided by using hair removal creams. Whatever your preferred method, hair removal should be conducted with care and proper technique.

Why don t more people use hair removal cream? ›

Skin Sensitivity: Some people have sensitive skin that can react adversely to the chemicals in hair removal creams, leading to irritation or allergies. 3. Preference for Permanent Hair Reduction: Many individuals prefer methods that provide more long-term or permanent hair reduction, such as laser hair removal.

Why does Nair not work on pubic hair? ›

Does Nair work on pubic hair? Nair can work to remove pubic hair, but should be removed with a soft cloth rather than the plastic spatula.

Is it OK to use Nair on pubes? ›

Pretty much anything involved in Brazilian hair removal. Please note that Nair™ for the bikini area can be used in grooming hair around the genitals but should not be used directly on the genitals.

When should you not use Nair? ›

As a precaution, we advise not to use any Nair products on skin which has been shaved in the last 72 hours.

Why doesn't everyone use Nair? ›

Not everyone's skin can handle the chemicals found in most depilatory creams, and many who use these topicals experience an allergic reaction. These possible side effects are why it's so important to test the product on a small patch of skin before going crazy and spreading it all over your legs.

What is best to remove private part hair? ›

Waxing. Waxing is one of the most common hair removal methods used for private parts. Here a layer of wax, hot or cold, is applied to the skin and is then removed using wax strips. It removes hair from its roots and gives you smooth skin for up to 2-3 weeks.

How to stop pubic hair from growing permanently? ›

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method which uses a special machine to stop hair growth with chemical or heat energy; then, the hair follicles are removed with tiny electric tweezers.

Which cream is used to remove unwanted hair? ›

Dr. Benade's Stoffhair Cream Hair Inhibitor for women - Permanent Hair removal and body hair growth retarding for women and men - remove unwanted facial hair without laser treatment.

Are hair removal creams recommended? ›

They're quick, affordable, painless and don't require a trip to a spa or salon. But depilatory creams aren't for everybody. And their side effects can be severe. People with sensitive or damaged skin should avoid these products, as should people with chronic skin conditions.

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